Eric Beiter

What was once known as the town of Alvira PA, is now known as State Game Lands number 252. During WWII the land was seized by the army and used as an army ordnance. Because of its past, while you are exploring, be on the lookout for old ammunition bunkers that have succumb to years of neglect, and are now overgrown. They are a very haunting sight, if you are brave enough you can even venture in...

Once you pass the famous Happy Acres Resort you better slow down. Coming up quickly on your right is the parking area for the Lake Shore Trail.The trails uses the Little Pine Creek damn as its starting point, which itself is a great place to sit and watch for birds, but to have the best experience you better keep going. Once you cross the damn, follow the trail to the left and enter into the wo...

Smith's Knob is a short, but fairly challenging section of the overall Loyalsock Trail. Smith's Knob has a distinctively round peak, and viewed from Rider Park, sticks out to all very easily. The trail starts off very steep, and will require some effort right away. However, it soon becomes more of a gradual incline. Be cautious in the winter, ice will make it extremely difficult to climb the st...

Rose Valley Lake, if you did not know is not a natural lake, it is man made. Construction of the 389-acre lake was completed in 1972. I prefer to fish for bass from the boat, but I will not hesitate to go out ice fishing in the winter either. On the lake, boats are limited to electric motors or good old fashioned human muscle power.The Lake is the perfect place when fishing for bass, bluegill, ...

The aptly named Pennsylvania County (Elk County) is a must for anyone looking to understand why the PA Wilds logo looks the way it does. Setting aside a whole day is a must. It will be enough time for most, but for others, there will never be enough time.Depending on which direction you are coming from, I recommend taking the route past Lock Haven and through Renovo, following 120 to 555. In th...

Take a drive to World's End State Park through the Loyalsock Valley and enjoy a great view. Once you enter the state park via 154, drive past the main parking area and take a right onto Mineral Spring Road and follow it until you take a left onto Cold Run Road. The road up is about two miles - when you reach the parking area at the top, follow the walkway to the vista. This spot is a spectacula...

Hiking, trail running, mountain bike riding, cross country skiing and other low impact recreational activities are all part of what Rider Park has to offer. My personal favorite is the 3.6 mile Katy Jane Trail with a 560 vertical rise. It begins on the right side of the parking area. The trails are very well-marked and quickly begin the uphill climb at a very steady pace. After about a mile, yo...

To get to the Bob Webber Trail, start by heading up one of the most beautiful valleys in Pennsylvania: Pine Creek. Shortly after Waterville jump onto 414 and enjoy the drive past Cammal. About one mile after Cammal you will come to the Ross Run parking area on the left and you are there. The Bob Webber Trail starts across the road opposite the parking entrance. The trail is an out-and back rout...

The Haystacks is a great end of the overall Loyalsock Trail. It is easily accessible, and fairly a gentile trail, however, the beginning is still a relatively rocky and will require some initial effort. When the trail intersects the rail road grade, you can turn left and take the path with the yellow LT blazes to the rapids. However, I would recommend you take sometime after the initial descent...

World's End offers a ton of trails, some for the family, and some for the more adventurous. The High Rock Trail is one of the more difficult trails in the State Park and one of the shortest. Start by parking at the main parking lot just near the Visitor Center. Take a quick walk over the bridge to the trailhead and just as the sidewalk ends you will see the sign for the trail on the right. Imme...

Rock Run is a place that I would not turn down a chance to explore again and again. It is easy to get lost in your own thoughts reflecting on the beauty of the surroundings, swim in the always chilled waters, or get out your fishing pole and catch some trout during the season.After making your way into Ralston, PA cross over Lycoming Creek on Thomas Street and follow it as it turns into Rock R...